Save 40 Percent on a Romantic Lake Placid Package

What with the marches and parties, dykes on bikes, and shirtless twinks in glitter gallivanting around a festival of consumer booths from companies showcasing their rainbow-adorned best, its easy to forget that gay pride is really about one thing: love.

And what says celebrating love more than a weekend in the country? In my book, not much (although a hand-delivered box of chocolate-covered cherries does rank up there). Thats why Im excited to escape the city for some romantic R&R at the Mirror Lake Inn this summer, where a June Pride Package offers a 43 percent savings on nightly rates, plus a $100 resort credit.

Located on the wooded shores of Lake Placid  technically a smaller lake next to it  the Mirror Lake Inn & Spa is the quintessential summer resort in the heart of the Adirondack mountains, garnering consistent awards for quality since opening in 1924. Think sun-dappled walks in the forest, paddle boats on the glassy lake, antique shopping down Main Street, and long, leisurely dinners in the towns only AAA Four Diamond restaurant, The View. The package gets you a rustic luxe Noonmark room, fronting a casual cabin elegance and lakefront views. Resort common areas feature mahogany walls and walnut floors, plus antiques, chandeliers, and deep cushioned sitting areas near fireplaces perfect for canoodling. All in all an upscale vibe, without a hint of pretension.

Of course, this being the mountains, physical activity shouldnt be limited to the bedroom. Start your day with an included dawn picnic breakfast (tea or coffee, fresh-squeezed OJ, fruit granola, and just-baked muffins) as loons hoot the rising sun over the lake, crisp dewy air turning to warm sunshine and blue skies. Light adventure enthusiasts can grab a free kayak or canoe and hit the lake, sun and swim on a sandy beach (or indoor and outdoor pools), rent some bikes for a tool around town, or head to the nearby peaks for more strenuous hikes. Afterward, an in-house spa is ready for indulgence. (Remember that resort credit.)

The package runs from May 24 to June 26 for $279 per night, per couple (plus tax and gratuity). Custom add-ons are available for travelers who want more adventure or more relaxation. See MirrorLakeInn.com for more info or call 518-523-2544 to book.